Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the key themes and rhetorical strategies used in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," particularly in Mark Antony's funeral speech. The student will also explore the concept of pathos and how it relates to persuasion, drawing parallels with modern media such as the show "Ally McBeal."

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for notes
• Access to a computer or device for research
• Printed excerpts of Mark Antony's speech from "Julius Caesar"
• Examples of persuasive speeches or scenes from "Ally McBeal"
• Preparation of a short presentation on rhetoric

Activities

• Reading and Analysis: Start by reading Mark Antony's funeral speech. As you read, highlight phrases that evoke strong emotions. After reading, discuss how these phrases contribute to the overall impact of the speech.

• Rhetorical Devices Hunt: Identify and list rhetorical devices used in Antony's speech (e.g., ethos, pathos, logos). Create a chart that categorizes these devices and provides examples from the text.

• Modern Connections: Watch a short scene from "Ally McBeal" that demonstrates persuasive speech. Analyze how the characters use emotional appeal to influence others, comparing it to Antony's techniques.

• Persuasive Speech Creation: Write a short persuasive speech on a topic of your choice, using the rhetorical devices discussed. Practice delivering your speech, focusing on how to evoke emotions in your audience.

Talking Points

• "What do you think makes Antony's speech so powerful? It's all about how he connects with the audience's emotions, right?"
• "Pathos is key here. Can you find examples in the speech where Antony makes the crowd feel something deeply?"
• "How does Shakespeare use rhetorical devices to sway public opinion? Think about how this is still relevant today in media."
• "In 'Ally McBeal,' characters often use humor and emotion to persuade. How does this compare to Antony’s serious tone?"
• "Can you create a modern version of Antony's speech? What would you change to make it relatable to today's audience?"